Consider including the following in your termination meeting:

“Go somewhere private and then lead with the punch line,” says Glickman. She suggests you begin by saying, “I have some bad news for you. Today is your last day here.” Then state the reason for termination in one simple sentence. “Be transparent,” she says.

1. Don’t neglect doing your research. One of the worst things a leader can do is make the decision to let someone go based on nothing but hearsay.
2. Do have a conversation.
3. Don’t ignore red flags.
4. Do keep it between you — for the most part.
5. Don’t overlook your role.

Being fired is when it is your fault that you can no longer work there like performance issues, or attendance problems. Being let go is when the company is having budget problems and there are layoffs coming.

1. Give an adequate reason for the discharge.
2. Seek out the employee’s explanation or interpretation of events.
3. Make it clear that the decision is final.
4. Briefly run through the benefits.
5. Explain your job reference policy.
6. Collect what’s yours from the employee.

Take it step by step.

1. Get right to the point. Skip the small talk.
2. Break the bad news. State the reason for the termination in one or two short sentences and then tell the person directly that he or she has been terminated.
3. Listen to what the employee has to say.
4. Cover everything essential.
5. Wrap it up graciously.

“I understand that you have questions, and you’re likely surprised, but we’re ending this employment relationship because it isn’t a good fit. The decision that we have made, while tough, is final. So the most productive thing to do today is not to discuss why, as it won’t change the circumstances.”

Generally speaking, terminating an employee because of personality conflicts or deficient skills would not be considered illegal or unlawful.

Yes, someone can be fired for not being a good fit (as long as the state follows at-will employment), but in order to do so properly, HR and management needs to make a case for why the person isn’t fitting and follow standard termination procedure to ensure the move goes off without a hitch.

Many people are concerned that if they leave a short term job off their resume or neglect to mention the job where they were fired, it will show up in a background check. This is unlikely, as it’s not like an FBI investigation into your life. But, it’s not likely to show up in a background check.